Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand name squad for Nigeria clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

New Zealand women’s national team head coach Jitka Klimková has named her 24-player squad for the team’s two games in Turkey next month against Iceland and Nigeria.

Wellington Phoenix forward Milly Clegg is named for the first time after a breakout season for club and country, including goals at both the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Michaela Foster is named as part of the initial squad for the first time after being called up as a late injury replacement player during the February camp.

Goalkeepers Victoria Esson and Anna Leat, as well as forward Jacqui Hand, all return to the squad after missing the previous window with injury.

The Ford Football Ferns as New Zealand is fondly called will play Iceland on Friday 7 April and Nigeria on Tuesday 11 April.

Both games will be played at Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey. Nigeria and New Zealand are using friendly games to prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The nine-time African Champions will face Australia, Canada, and The Republic of Ireland in Group B of the World Cup.

New Zealand will trade tackles with Norway, The Philippines, and Switzerland in Group A.

New Zealand full squad:

Mackenzie Barry (6 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
CJ Bott (37 caps) Leicester City, England
Katie Bowen (90 caps) Melbourne City, Australia
Claudia Bunge (18 caps) Melbourne Victory, Australia
Olivia Chance (42 caps) Celtic, Scotland
Milly Clegg* (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Daisy Cleverley (30 caps) HB Køge, Denmark
Victoria Esson (12 caps) Rangers, Scotland
Michaela Foster (2 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Jacqui Hand (10 caps) Aland United, Finland
Betsy Hassett (141 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Grace Jale (15 caps) Canberra United, Australia
Anna Leat (9 caps) Aston Villa, England
Meikayla Moore (63 caps) Glasgow City, Scotland
Erin Nayler (84 caps) IFK Norrköping, Sweden
Grace Neville (3 caps) London City Lionesses, England
Gabi Rennie (23 caps) Arizona State University, USA
Ali Riley (150 caps) Angel City, USA
Indiah-Paige Riley (7 caps) Brisbane Roar, Australia
Paige Satchell (40 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Malia Steinmetz (16 caps) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia
Rebekah Stott (87 caps) Brighton & Hove Albion, England
Kate Taylor (8 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand
Hannah Wilkinson (111 caps) Melbourne City, Australia